YOSHKA took the honours in the Dragoon Troop Tumeric Handicap at Catterick yesterday, completing a 25-1 across-the card double for Mark Johnston, also responsible for Newmarket's big-race winner, Bandari, writes COLIN WOODS.

While Bandari was landing the lion's share of the glory down south, such is the size and scope of Yoshka he could well find himself running in much more esteemed company in the future.

"Yoshka is a half-brother to Royal Rebel, so this two-mile trip looked like it would suit him," said Anthony Cosgriff, taking time out from his usual position as full-time vet at Johnston's Middleham stables to saddle the handsome chestnut.

Royston Ffrench, the rider of Yoshka, went on to land a 10-1 double in the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery Handicap aboard Willjojo for the in-form Malton-based handler, Richard Fahey.

Like Johnston, Fahey was on duty at Newmarket, leaving his dependable Head Lad, Pat Brilly, to welcome Willjojo back into the winners' enclosure.

"She's very tough and genuine and saw the trip out well", said Brilly of Willjojo, who was the subject of a major gamble from 11-1 to an eventual 5-1 starting price.

With Michael Dods' yard in prime fettle, Smith N Allan Oils also came in for hefty market support in the Louisburg Classified Stakes, but his attempt to land the spoils was thwarted by the Alan Jarvis-trained gelding, Effective.

Enterprisingly ridden by jockey Neil Callan, Effective hit the front over a furlong from the finish and never looked like being headed.

Rookie trainer Bobby Elliott is gradually winding his 30-strong string up and he looks to have a speedy filly on his hands in the guise of Wendy's Girl, runaway winner of the six-furlong Spinx & Workshops Handicap.

"I was a bit concerned when it rained earlier because she got bogged down at Newcastle a fortnight ago; it was rock hard when she won the time before at Warwick," said Elliott.